Karolina Pliskova edged past World Number 86 Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-2 4-6 6-3 to reach the third round at Roland Garros for the first time in her career.
Pliskovawon just two main draw matches in five previous appearances at the Frenchh Open and reached the second round here in 2014 and 2015.
Pliskova converted the only two break points in the first and eighth games and dropped just three points on her four service games to win the first set 6-2 after 22 minutes. Alexandrova got one break in the fifth game at 2-2 and hit three aces to seal the second set 6-4.
Pliskova broke serve at the start of the third set to take a 2-0 lead. Alexandrova broke straight back in the third game but Pliskova got the decisive break with a backhand passing shot on the break point. She did not convert a match point at 5.2 but held her serve in the final game to seal the third set after 1 hour and 41 minutes. Pliskova lost just four points on her first serve.
Pliskova beat 22-year German Carina Witthoeft, who beat Pauline Parmentier in straight sets.
“I was stuggling here every year, even this year, but with a better ending. I am still not really happy with the way I was playing. I would say it was a little bit better than the first round, but the opponent was different, so she was playing much faster. Sometimes I didn’t have just time to do anything and to be aggressive as I would like to be. I would say the serve saved me in the third set. I was playing too short, so that’s why she was able to push me a little bit more. I think I was running more than her, which I don’t want it to be this way. Last year I was coming here as a favourite. Everyone expected me to win something, and I didn’t make it. Even making it through the first round meant a lot to me. What I did today, it’s kind of special. I have a chance. Even though I don’t think I am playing the best tennis I have played all year. Somehow I still won two matches, which is very important. I know I can play better if I go deep in the tournament ”, said Pliskova.
